Uses for DGL Extract

Licorice is one of the most important herbs in the traditional Chinese medical pharmacopeia. It is frequently added to formulations to enhance their potency or to reduce potential side effects. In western herbalism, licorice is extremely well-regarded. Much of the pharmacological activity of licorice root comes from the chemical glycyrrhizinic acid. Glycyrrhizinic acid, or glycyrrhizin, also has a number of contraindications for its use, and can cause side effects when taken in large doses or high concentrations. Licorice extracts containing this chemical should not be taken by people who have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or elevated liver enzymes. Pregnant women should also not take supplements containing glycyrrhizinic acid. DGL, however, stands for glycyrrhizinated licorice, the extract of which can be safely taken by anyone. Although it does not have all the same medicinal properties as conventional licorice extracts, there are several uses for DGL extract.

Peptic Ulcers

• Although DGL extract does not have the anti-inflammatory properties provided by glycyrrhizin, it still contains a broad spectrum of flavonoids useful in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Long-used for this purpose, these flavonoids and chalcones have been determined to not only help heal digestive tract cells, but also kill Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria responsible for the formation of peptic ulcers. DGL should be taken as a chewable tablet, as licorice must be mixed with saliva to be effective.

Cough

• DGL extract is, like the standard licorice extract, an effective expectorant and demulcent. The chewable tablets serve to soothe irritated mucous membranes of the throat caused by frequent coughing through their high mucilage content, while the licorice flavonoids help thin mucous in the bronchioles, facilitating its elimination. Many commercial cough syrups include licorice extracts in their formulations for this reason.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Although glycyrrhizin has a beneficial effect on the sources of inflammation that contribute to the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's Disease, DGL still benefits patients for whom the use of a glycyrrhizinated extract is contraindicated. The mucilagenous and demulcent qualities of DGL help soothe the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing cramping, gas, and inflammation during flareups.

Other Ulcers

• Recent research suggests that DGL is effective topically against canker sores. Treatment includes the use of dissolved DGL as a mouthwash three to four times daily, dramatically increasing healing time. Other research indicates that DGL may promote the healing of duodenal ulcers, which are not responsive to conventional treatment with pharmaceuticals like Tagamet.